For over 50 years, Riverside has provided individualized services combining life skill development, day habilitation, and employment options for adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the tri-county region of Western Massachusetts.
Empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live rich and full lives.
EXISTS to serve and empower individuals with perceived limitations and typical ambitions
ENCOURAGES all individuals to be participating members in their communities, sharing the rights and obligations with their fellow citizens
ENSURES individuals receive therapeutic supports to maximize their opportunities for employment, personal growth and independence
EDUCATES individuals to take control over the things in their lives that they value
ENLIGHTENS the community about the abilities and challenges of the individuals we serve and asks for its philanthropic support
Chairperson: Melissa Pike, A-Z Properties, LLC
1st Vice Chairperson: Roger Anderson, Senior Program Manager, Behavioral Health Network (retired)
2nd Vice Chairperson: Liz Paquette, Owner/President, Rock Valley Tool, LLC
Treasurer: Betsy Schabacker, Branch Manager, Easthampton Savings Bank
Members
1968
Riverside Industries, Inc. is founded in 1968 by a progressive and bold move on the part of local parents with the help of Father Robert Wagner. It is originally named The Occupational and Vocational Development Center for the Handicapped (OVDCH). Courage, commitment, generosity, and volunteerism are the driving forces of the Board of Directors and parents.
Feb 1968
The city of Northampton donates the old Leeds School building for 50¢ each to OVDCH.
Nov 1968
Jan 1969
Feb 1969
The workshop resumes temporary operations at 2 Pleasant Street, Northampton. Fundraising efforts being to raise money for a new center.
Apr 1971
OVDCH purchases land on Nonotuck Street for $18,000 and builds a new workshop where 32 people are served. Some of the original building still exists as the Florence Medical Center.
Jul 1971
Aug 1971
In addition, 35 participants are served in a satellite vocational program on Sanderson Street in Greenfield.
Nov 1972
A small second fire guts the Nonotuck facility and results in $75,000 in damages.
Feb 1973
The building is sold and the workshop moves to the Brassworks in Haydenville.
Jun 1974
The name is changed to Riverside Industries, Inc. The first logo.
Apr 1976
The One Cottage Street building is donated to Riverside Industries, Inc. by J.P Stevens. Income from rent, from the building's tenants, gives us a unique opportunity to support Riverside's mission.
Sep 1977
A policy of normalization is officially adopted by the organization.
Apr 1977
Commercial and residential clients hire the landscaping crew to care for their lawns. Today there are over 60 customers.
Jul 1977
Leeds Design Workshop, a woodworking school, becomes a significant tenant in the building. Graduates of the program continue to rent One Cottage Street space. Since 1986, they and others fill the building to capacity.
Aug 1978
A Small Business Administration loan aids Riverside in renovating rental space to increase income for services.
Sep 1979
Riverside receives first CARF accreditation in September 1979. Over the past 24 years we have been evaluated every 3 years by CARF and have been consistently commended with high marks for the quality of services we deliver.
May 1980
Jobs are secured in local businesses. People with disabilities are integrated into their working communities.
Jun 1981
Changing community attitudes towards people with disabilities continues into the 80's. Riverside attempts to open another home on Golden Drive in Florence for 3 women with developmental disabilities. It meets with opposition and never opens. At a later date, the women move to a home into their native town of Northampton.
Nov 1981
The need for day community programs for people with developmental disabilities is met by the opening of the Day Habilitation Program. The program provides occupational, physical, and speech therapies, as well as medical, academic, and pre-vocational services to 36 clients. Today the program provides a broader spectrum of services to over 75 people including services to people in nursing homes.
Dec 1981
Riverside's Board of Directors makes the difficult decision to end residential services due to insufficient state funding.
Jan 1983
Riverside's first employment enclave is created under a Bay State Skills Corporation grant with Northampton Hilton Inn. The Skills Corporation is established in 1981 with public and private funds by then Governor Edward J. King. It aims to create an opportunity for on-the-job training with the goal of gainful employment. The grant pays some of the trainee's hourly wages while the Hilton picks up the remainder. Workers are paid minimum wage, which at that time was $3.35.
Jun 1983
Tucson and Savannah's Restaurant starts as a vending cart in 1978. It expands its quarters to the center of the building creating a dining room, a place for everyone at One Cottage Street to mingle. The camaraderie of the restaurant is later portrayed in a mural painted by Elizabeth Solomon, an artist in the building.
Apr 1985
Through advocacy and additional monies from the Department of Mental Health, more than 50% of the participants in the Day Habilitation program become employed for the first time in their lives.
Sep 1986
The 100th job is secured in the general community for people receiving services at Riverside. A partial list of employers at that time includes:
May 1988
An innovative community membership program for elders with disabilities is created, enhancing the lives of many as they enter their retirement years.
Jun 1988
The shift from the sheltered workshop to community-integrated employment continues with sustained support from local businesses. Riverside partners with Lord Jeffery Inn.
Nov 1989
With threatening budget cuts that would greatly hinder services for people with disabilities, many participants at Riverside arm themselves with self-made signs and rally at the Statehouse in Boston.
1990's
The 80's and early 90's represent a significant time in the history of supporting people with disabilities. Belchertown State School closes in December 1992 and the 285 people living there return to their communities to enjoy the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of all citizens. Riverside and other human service agencies welcome and applaud this historic moment.
Jan 1990
On January 2, 1990 Riverside is once again CARF accredited. This marks the 4th consecutive highest accreditation.
Jul 1990
Riverside is encouraged by the signing of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): wide-ranging legislation intended to make our society more accessible to people.
Aug 1990
Riverside begins transportation services, allowing for more flexibility in employment schedules and civic activities. Today there are more than 20 vans providing transportation to over 150 people.
Dec 1990
The first Artisan Sale is held at One Cottage Street. This begins a tradition. which today has grown to include many members from Easthampton's thriving arts community.
Feb 1990
A partnership with Stan Home Products starts a new model. People with and without disabilities work alongside one another successfully meeting production demands. This prototype fosters further partnerships with local businesses.
Sep 1992
Riverside begins a joint venture with the Easthampton School System, helping to create a smooth school-to-work transition for individuals finishing high school.
Feb 1996
Riverside Rehabilitation is established and today provides Occupational, Physical, and Speech therapies to over 1000 children and adults in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
1990's
Throughout the 90's major building renovations include several new accessible restrooms, Day Habilitation expansion, and a 5-story passenger elevator.
Jan 2000
Riverside forms a committee to research new technology to enhance people's ability to communicate. This initiative is instrumental in securing over $30,000 in grants to purchase new communication devices for many people to use at Riverside.
Jun 2001
Riverside is acknowledged for meeting high standards.
Jun 2001
The first annual Human Service Scholarship is awarded to an Easthampton High School graduate.
Nov 2002
The Governor's Commission on Employment of People with Disabilities honors one of Riverside's working partnerships.
May 2003
Riverside Industries' continues its tradition of contributing to the community
Aug 2003
A Development Committee is formed seeking the support of philanthropic giving. This endeavor will enhance Riverside's mission of empowering people with disabilities in their quest for satisfying jobs, life direction, and meaningful community membership.
